The Pressures of Being a Carer: What You Need to Know

1 Nov

Grandparents cuddling their twin granddaughters who are their carers

Being a carer for a family member or friend can be a demanding and isolating role. As well as managing your own work, family and social commitments, you also have the responsibility of caring for your loved one. This can often be a full-time job, with little time left for yourself.

Being a carer can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. It is essential to understand what the role entails to be the best possible caregiver.

Common family caregiver responsibilities

As a family carer for an aging or disabled loved one, you may be responsible for many tasks.

These may include:

Providing personal care, such as bathing and dressing
Helping with activities of daily living, such as eating and toileting
Assisting with medical appointments and medications
Providing transportation

You may also be responsible for the following:

Managing finances
Advocating for your loved one's rights
Coordinating care with other professionals

Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be demanding. As a caregiver, you may need to provide not only practical support but also emotional support and companionship. It is important to be patient and understanding and to give your loved one the time they need to adjust to their new situation. By providing your loved one with reassurance and encouragement, you can help them stay positive and hopeful.

The emotional and physical toll of being a family carer

Being a carer for a loved one can be an emotionally and physically demanding role. As well as providing practical support, you often need to cope with the emotional stress of seeing your loved one ill or in pain. You may also feel guilty or resentful, particularly if you struggle to balance your caring responsibilities with work or other commitments.

The physical demands of being a carer can also be considerable, particularly if your loved one has complex needs. You may need to lift, turn or bathe your loved one and provide constant vigilance to ensure their safety. It is not surprising that many carers experience feelings of exhaustion and burnout.

The importance of self-care when caring for a loved one

Self-care is essential when caring for a loved one with a disability or who is elderly. If you don't take the time to look after yourself, you can suffer from caregiver burnout, which can have serious consequences.

Caregiver burnout can lead to physical and mental health problems, increased stress levels, and even a decline in the quality of care provided. Therefore, it is vital to recognise the signs and how it affects care; you can learn more about caregiver stress by reading our blog, which you can find here.

5 tips for managing the pressures of being a family caregiver

1. Take care of yourself. When you are feeling physically and emotionally well, you will be better able to care for your loved one. Make sure to eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, and get enough rest.

2. Create a support network. Talk to other family members or friends who are also in a caring role. Sharing your experiences and concerns can help you to feel less alone. You may also want to join a support group for carers.

3. Give yourself some time each day to relax and do something you enjoy. This can help to reduce stress and restore your energy levels. It is important to remember that you cannot be available 24/7. Make sure to schedule breaks into your day so that you can recharge.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There is no shame in admitting that you need assistance. There are many community resources available to carers, so use them when needed.

5. Seek professional help. If you're finding it hard to cope, don't hesitate to seek professional help from your GP or a counsellor. They can offer further support and advice on managing the pressures of caring.

Help is always here when you need it

We provide in-home support services for aged care and disability and NDIS-supported independent living (SIL) services. We aim to allow your loved one to live as independently as possible while still getting the support they need.

We are always available to answer any questions you have and provide relief when needed. You don't have to do this alone - we are here to help.

Damon Nasiri